West Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer
Car Accident Lawyer West Des Moines, IA
If you were recently injured in a car accident somewhere in West Des Moines or the surrounding suburbs, you are probably starting to realize that the aftermath of a crash involves a lot more than getting your car fixed and waiting for your bruises to heal.
Our West Des Moines, IA car accident lawyer at Law Group of Iowa has been handling these cases for more than twenty years. Our founding partners have helped car accident victims throughout the Des Moines metro area recover millions of dollars through settlements negotiated with insurance companies and verdicts won at trial when insurers refused to pay fair value. We offer free consultations, and we handle every car accident case on contingency, which means you owe us nothing unless we actually recover money for you.
Why Choose Law Group of Iowa for Car Accident Cases in West Des Moines, IA?
Founding Partners With Real Courtroom Experience
Christopher Johnston founded Law Group of Iowa and has been representing people injured in car accidents since 2001. Over more than two decades of practice, he has handled cases ranging from fender benders with soft tissue injuries to catastrophic collisions that left clients permanently disabled. He is licensed in Iowa, Minnesota, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and Federal Court for the District of Minnesota, and having admissions in multiple jurisdictions matters when insurance policies were issued in other states or when corporate defendants try to complicate things with multi-state structures.
Christopher Martineau co-founded the firm and has practiced since 2003. His caseload focuses heavily on motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, truck collisions, and motorcycle wrecks throughout the Des Moines metro and across Iowa. He belongs to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and that organization does not hand out memberships to attorneys who simply claim they handle big cases. You have to have actually recovered a verdict or settlement exceeding one million dollars.
When you need a personal injury lawyer in West Des Moines, IA to handle your car accident case, our firm brings both the resources to take on insurance companies and the courtroom experience to try cases when settlement negotiations stall.
Results That Come From Preparation
Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for car accident clients, and those outcomes did not happen by accident. We investigate crashes thoroughly while evidence still exists, bring in accident reconstruction professionals when questions arise about how collisions occurred, build complete medical documentation through records and physician testimony, and refuse to recommend settlements that will leave our clients short of what they actually need. Insurance adjusters know which law firms will actually take cases to trial, and that knowledge affects how they negotiate.
We Put in the Work
Getting a fair result after a car accident takes more effort than filling out paperwork and waiting for a check. We obtain police reports and crash documentation quickly. We interview witnesses before their memories get fuzzy. We photograph damage, skid marks, and road conditions before anything changes. We review medical records carefully because we know insurance companies will look for anything they can twist to argue that injuries came from something other than the crash.
When the other side disputes liability or tries to pin blame on our clients, we bring in professionals who can analyze the physical evidence and explain to juries exactly what happened. That level of preparation makes insurance companies take us seriously at the negotiating table and ensures we are ready for trial if they will not pay what cases are worth.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Every car accident case we take runs on contingency. You pay zero dollars upfront, and you do not owe us attorney fees unless we actually get you money. We believe people who got hurt because someone else was careless should be able to get real legal help whether or not they can write a check right now.
What Our Clients Say
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“After being in a car accident several years ago (no fault of our own), my wife and I had long ago wrote off getting any kind of fair settlement. 6 years later and a surprise call from Chris Johnston, he took over our case and got things handled very fairly. I highly recommend Chris.” – Trevor E
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in West Des Moines
Car crashes happen in different ways, and the type of collision affects both the injuries people suffer and the legal questions that arise. Our attorneys handle all of them.
- Rear-end collisions. These crashes might seem straightforward since the trailing driver usually bears fault, but the injuries from getting hit from behind can be surprisingly severe. Whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries happen even in moderate-speed impacts, and insurance companies consistently try to minimize these claims by arguing that the damage was minor.
- Intersection accidents. West Des Moines has plenty of busy intersections where T-bone collisions happen when drivers run red lights, roll through stop signs, or fail to yield. Side impacts concentrate force on parts of vehicles with less structural protection, which often means serious injuries for the people inside. Disputes about who had the right of way require careful evidence gathering.
- Head-on collisions. When two vehicles hit each other front-to-front, the combined speeds multiply the impact forces dramatically. These crashes often cause catastrophic injuries or death. Causes include distracted driving, impaired driving, wrong-way travel, and drivers drifting across centerlines.
- Hit and run accidents. Some drivers take off after causing crashes. We work to identify hit and run drivers through witness interviews, surveillance footage, and physical evidence left at the scene. When we cannot find the responsible driver, we pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
- Multi-vehicle pileups. Chain-reaction crashes on I-235 or during bad weather involve multiple vehicles and complicated fault questions. Several drivers might share blame. Multiple insurance policies might apply. Sorting through the mess requires experience with how partial blame affects cases.
- Drunk driving accidents. Impaired drivers cause devastating crashes, and evidence of intoxication strengthens injury claims while potentially opening the door to punitive damages beyond compensation for actual losses.
- Distracted driving accidents. Drivers looking at phones, eating, or otherwise not paying attention cause an increasing share of crashes. Cell phone records, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction can establish that distraction caused a collision. Understanding the common causes of accidents helps build these cases.
- Pedestrian accidents. When cars hit people who are walking, the injuries are almost always serious because human bodies cannot handle impact forces from multi-ton vehicles. We represent pedestrians struck by negligent drivers throughout the West Des Moines area.
- Weather-related accidents. Iowa winters create hazardous driving conditions, but bad weather does not excuse careless driving. Motorists have to adjust their speed and following distance for conditions. When they fail to do so and cause crashes, they bear responsibility.
If your crash involved circumstances not described here, give us a call. We handle virtually every type of car accident that happens on Iowa roads.
Iowa Legal Requirements for Car Accident Cases
State law determines how these cases work, including filing deadlines, fault rules, and what compensation you can pursue.
The Statute of Limitations
Under Iowa Code § 614.1, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. If someone dies from crash injuries, the family has two years from the death date to file a wrongful death claim. Courts enforce these deadlines strictly, and missing yours by even a single day means losing your right to sue no matter how badly the other driver behaved.
Iowa’s Fault-Based System
Iowa uses a fault-based insurance system for car accidents, which means the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for the injuries and damage that resulted. You can pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, through your own insurance under certain circumstances, or through a lawsuit if insurance coverage is not enough.
Comparative Fault
Iowa follows modified comparative fault under Iowa Code § 668.3. You can recover compensation as long as your own fault does not exceed 50 percent, but whatever percentage of blame lands on you reduces your recovery proportionally. If you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you receive $80,000. Insurance companies argue comparative fault constantly because every percentage point they pin on you saves them money.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Iowa law requires drivers to carry liability coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Those minimums do not go very far when injuries are serious. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy can fill the gap when the driver who hit you does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Car Accident in West Des Moines?
Iowa law allows car accident victims to pursue compensation across several categories.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your documented financial losses. Medical expenses make up the biggest chunk for most people and include emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, doctor appointments, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and whatever future treatment your doctors say you will need. Lost wages compensate you for income you missed while recovering. If your injuries permanently affect your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for that diminished earning capacity. Property damage covers repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the harms that do not show up on bills and receipts. Pain and suffering covers the physical hurt from your injuries and the discomfort of the treatment and recovery process. Emotional distress includes anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and the psychological weight of dealing with a serious injury. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates you when injuries prevent you from doing activities you used to love. Disfigurement addresses scars and visible injuries that change how you look. Loss of consortium lets spouses recover for how the injury has affected the marriage.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving especially bad behavior, like drunk driving, Iowa courts can award punitive damages under Iowa Code § 668A.1. These go beyond compensation for actual injuries and are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar conduct.
What Steps Should You Take After a Car Accident in West Des Moines?
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect your ability to get fair compensation.
- Get to safety if you can. Move yourself and passengers away from traffic if possible. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Call 911. Report the accident and request medical help for anyone who is injured. The police report becomes important evidence later.
- Get medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries take hours or days to produce symptoms. Seeing a doctor promptly creates records connecting your injuries to the crash.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture everything before it changes.
- Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, license number, insurance information, and contact details. Do not discuss fault at the scene.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, get their name and phone number. Their account could prove valuable later.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. Provide basic facts without speculating about fault or injuries. Do not give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer without talking to a lawyer first.
- Keep records of everything. Save all medical bills, receipts for expenses, and documentation of work you missed. Keep a journal of your pain levels and how injuries affect your daily activities.
- Stay off social media. Insurance adjusters search claimants’ accounts looking for posts they can use against them. Photos or comments about your activities can be taken out of context.
- Contact a car accident lawyer. Evidence disappears. Witnesses become harder to find. Memories fade. Getting legal help early protects your interests and preserves important information.
West Des Moines Car Accident Infographic
Car Accident Statistics in West Des Moines
Understanding how often crashes happen locally provides context for these claims.
The Iowa Department of Transportation tracks crash data statewide and reports thousands of injury accidents on Iowa roads each year. Polk County, which includes West Des Moines, consistently ranks among counties with the highest crash totals because of population density and traffic volumes on major routes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of injury death in the United States. Common contributing factors include distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and failure to yield.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that while vehicle safety improvements have reduced fatality rates over time, serious injuries remain common. Modern cars provide better crash protection than older vehicles, but physics still applies, and high-speed impacts cause severe injuries regardless of safety ratings.
The Iowa State Patrol investigates serious crashes throughout Polk County and Dallas County, and their reports provide detailed documentation useful for injury claims.
West Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer FAQs
What does hiring a car accident attorney cost?
We take all car accident cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover money for you. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict as a percentage, so we have every reason to maximize what you receive. This arrangement exists because we do not think your ability to hire a good lawyer should depend on whether you have spare cash lying around after paying medical bills.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Iowa?
Iowa gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and wrongful death claims have to be filed within two years of the death. Those deadlines are firm. Courts throw out cases filed late regardless of how strong the evidence is or how badly the defendant behaved. Some situations involving government vehicles have even shorter notice requirements that can trip people up.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Iowa allows you to recover compensation as long as your share of the fault stays at 50 percent or below, but your recovery gets reduced by whatever percentage of blame lands on you. If you were 25 percent responsible and your damages add up to $200,000, you would receive $150,000. Insurance companies push the comparative fault angle hard because it saves them money, and one of our jobs is making sure they do not stick you with more blame than the evidence supports.
How much is my car accident case worth?
That depends on several things, including how badly you were hurt, what your medical bills are now and what future treatment will cost, how much income you lost and whether your injuries will affect your earning capacity going forward, how the injuries have changed your daily life and relationships, and how strong the evidence is that the other driver was at fault. We give honest assessments based on the facts rather than throwing out big numbers to impress you.
How long will it take to resolve my case?
Timelines vary a lot. Straightforward cases with clear liability and injuries that resolve within a few months sometimes settle relatively quickly. Complicated cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties can take a year or more. We keep you informed throughout the process and will not pressure you to settle before we understand the full extent of your injuries and what you will need going forward.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Talk to us before you sign anything. Insurance companies make early offers because they expect injured people to accept less than their claims are actually worth, especially when those people are stressed about bills and not sure what their cases should be valued at. Initial offers almost never account properly for future medical treatment, permanent limitations, or fair compensation for ongoing pain.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may cover you when the at-fault driver has no insurance, and underinsured motorist coverage applies when their limits are not enough to fully compensate you. Other potential sources may exist depending on the circumstances. Part of our job is identifying every available pool of money that could contribute to your recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial because both sides prefer to avoid the expense, unpredictability, and time commitment involved in going before a jury. That said, we prepare every case like it is going to trial, and we are fully ready to try your case if the insurance company refuses to pay fair value. Our willingness to go to court affects how adjusters negotiate with us.
What evidence matters most in a car accident case?
Police reports documenting what happened, photographs from the scene showing damage and conditions, statements from witnesses who saw the crash, your medical records establishing what injuries you suffered and what treatment you needed, and documentation of wages you lost and expenses you incurred all contribute to building your case. Sometimes we bring in accident reconstruction specialists or other professionals to address technical questions.
Can I sue if the other driver got a ticket?
A traffic citation helps establish that the other driver violated the law, but it is not the same as proof of liability in a civil case. Juries consider citations along with other evidence when deciding who was at fault and by how much. The absence of a ticket does not mean you cannot pursue a claim either, since the standards for traffic citations and civil liability are different.
What if my injuries did not show up until days after the crash?
Delayed symptoms are common with certain injuries, particularly whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage. Your medical records will document when symptoms appeared, and we can explain to insurers and juries that the delayed onset is actually typical for the type of injury you suffered. The important thing is to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms do appear and make sure your doctors know about the accident.
Can passengers file claims after a car accident?
Passengers who get hurt in car accidents can pursue claims against any driver whose negligence contributed to the crash, including the driver of the vehicle they were riding in. Passengers are rarely found to share fault, which often makes their claims more straightforward than claims from drivers.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
You have options. Health insurance covers treatment regardless of who caused the accident. Medical payments coverage on your auto policy pays for medical expenses up to the policy limit without regard to fault. Some healthcare providers will defer collection until your case resolves, and medical liens allow providers to get paid from your settlement. We discuss which options make sense for your situation.
Most Dangerous Locations for Car Accidents in West Des Moines
Certain locations in and around West Des Moines see more car accidents than others because of traffic patterns and road design.
Interstate 235 runs along the northern edge of West Des Moines and carries heavy traffic volumes, including significant commercial truck traffic. Merge areas and interchanges see frequent crashes, and winter weather makes this corridor particularly hazardous.
Interstate 35 passes through the west side of town and connects Des Moines to the south suburbs and beyond. On-ramp and off-ramp areas see merging crashes, and the mix of local and long-distance traffic creates speed differentials.
Mills Civic Parkway handles traffic to major shopping destinations, and the combination of turning movements, parking lot entrances, and drivers looking for stores rather than watching the road contributes to crashes.
Jordan Creek Parkway serves the Jordan Creek Town Center area, one of the busiest retail destinations in Iowa. High traffic volumes, numerous driveways, and distracted drivers make this stretch problematic.
What Are Important Local Resources for Car Accident Victims in West Des Moines?
This list is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Law Group of Iowa.
- West Des Moines Police Department – (515) 222-3321
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office – (515) 286-3333
- Iowa State Patrol – (515) 725-6090
- Iowa Department of Transportation – (515) 239-1101
- Iowa Motor Vehicle Division – (515) 244-8725
- MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center – (515) 358-8000
- Iowa Insurance Division – (515) 281-5705
Law Group of Iowa, West Des Moines Car Accident Lawyer
699 Walnut St Des Moines, IA 50309
Contact Law Group of Iowa
A car accident disrupts your life in ways that keep compounding. Medical bills stack up while your income shrinks or disappears entirely. The insurance company pushes you toward a settlement that will not cover what you have actually lost. Pain and limitations affect your work, your activities, and your relationships with the people who matter to you.
You should not have to navigate all of this alone while also trying to recover from your injuries.
Our West Des Moines car accident attorneys offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win. If you got hurt in a crash anywhere in West Des Moines, the Des Moines metro, or the surrounding suburbs, contact us today to set up your consultation and find out how we can help you get fair compensation.
